Checklist · 12 picks · 6 categories
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Trail runners go through socks, lights and snacks fast, and every pick here is from iRunFar.
Injinji toe socks are its best for running, with separate toes that cut down on blisters, and Swiftwick's Flite XT is its best overall running sock. The Nitecore NU25 is its best value headlamp, a great backup, and the UT27 is its best trail running headlamp. For carrying water, the UltrAspire Spry 5.0 is its best budget small vest and the Salomon Active Skin 12 its best budget large one. Aonijie poles are its best budget trekking poles, and Black Diamond's Distance Z its best fixed length aluminum pair. If you know their size, the Brooks Cascadia 20 is its best shoe for beginners and the Nike ACG Pegasus Trail its best overall. The splurges are the Hoka Speedgoat 7, its best cushioned shoe, and the Patagonia Slope Runner, its best small vest.
Who this is not for. Skip this if they stick to roads and treadmills; the gifts for runners page has watches, headphones and recovery gear.
Best running socksbudget pick · Extra-tall crew
Best for runners who get blisters between their toes
iRunFar's best toe socks for running: the best toe socks it has reviewed, with separate toes that minimize blisters between them.
Heads up. Toe socks aren't for everyone, and short, tiny or high-volume toes fit them least well
1 outlet. iRunFar best Toe Socks for Running.
$15-25
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mid pick · Mid-crew
Best for keeping grit out and feet dry on the trail
iRunFar's best overall running socks: a snug-fitting sock designed for hiking and trail running, with a soft feel, excellent breathability and ankle protection.
Heads up. Compression fit can be difficult to put on
1 outlet. iRunFar best overall running socks.
$25-50
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Best headlampmid pick · 2.6 oz
Best for sunrise starts and after-work runs in winter
iRunFar's best trail running headlamp: great for a few hours of running in the dark, offering plenty of light without much weight.
Heads up. Battery life won't get through an entire night on the medium setting
1 outlet. iRunFar best trail running headlamp.
$50-100
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budget pick · 1.6 oz
Best for a backup light that lives in their vest
iRunFar's best value headlamp for running: a great backup or simple ultralight headlamp if you're counting grams.
Heads up. iRunFar doesn't love the look of it
1 outlet. iRunFar best Value Headlamp for Running.
$25-50
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Best running vestbudget pick · 3.5 L gear, 2 L liquid
Best for short trail runs on a smaller budget
iRunFar's best budget running vest for small capacity: lightweight, breathable and very affordable, even after you buy bottles for it.
Heads up. Rear storage is inaccessible while wearing the pack, and one-size-fits-most sizing may not fit all bodies
1 outlet. iRunFar best budget running vest.
$100-150
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mid pick · 12 L gear, 2.5 L liquid
Best for long days out with a jacket and lots of snacks
iRunFar's best budget running vest for large capacity: a well-made and functional pack, with plenty of good features for its price point.
Heads up. Less breathable than other options, with no rear pass-through pocket
1 outlet. iRunFar best budget running vest.
$100-150
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Best trekking polesbudget pick · 31 cm folded (110 cm length)
Best for trying poles on steep climbs without a big spend
iRunFar's best budget trekking poles: inexpensive, durable and relatively light, with an easy extension and folding mechanism.
Heads up. The grip and strap aren't the most comfortable, and the basket gets caught up in rocks
1 outlet. iRunFar best budget trekking poles.
$25-50
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splurge pick · 33-44 cm folded
Best for mountain runs with big climbs
iRunFar's best fixed length aluminum trekking poles: an excellent option for both trail running and hiking.
Heads up. Heavier than carbon poles
1 outlet. iRunFar best Fixed Length Aluminum Trekking Poles.
$100-150
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Best trail running shoesmid pick · 10.3 oz (men's 9)
Best for a first pair of trail shoes, if you know their size
iRunFar's best trail running shoe for beginners: an effective everyday road-to-trail shoe, and the Cascadia 20 gets the biggest update the line has seen in ages.
Heads up. Not an extreme mountain running shoe
1 outlet. iRunFar best Trail Running Shoe for Beginners.
$100-150
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mid pick · 10.4 oz (men's 9)
Best for one shoe for every kind of trail day, if you know their size
iRunFar's best overall trail running shoe: an all-around trail shoe that does it all well.
Heads up. Highly technical terrain is a stretch
1 outlet. iRunFar best Overall Trail Running Shoe.
$150-200
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Top picksplurge pick · 9.1 oz (men's 9)
Best for long runs with more cushion, if you know their size
iRunFar's best cushioned trail running shoe: a comfy shoe that can go the distance on any trail.
Heads up. Just a bit too much shoe for some runners' liking
1 outlet. iRunFar best Cushioned Trail Running Shoe.
$150-200
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splurge pick · About 4 L gear, 2.5 L liquid
Best for grab-and-go runs of an hour or two
iRunFar's best running vest for small capacity: the perfect little pack if you want to grab two soft flasks, a handful of snacks, a jacket, and just go.
Heads up. The clasp design is finicky, and small loose items in the back pockets jostle while running
1 outlet. iRunFar best running vest.
$150-200
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
A headlamp or trekking poles. The Nitecore UT27 is iRunFar's best trail running headlamp, with plenty of light without much weight, and Aonijie poles, its best budget pick, are inexpensive, durable and relatively light.
Only if you know their size and what they run in now. The Brooks Cascadia 20 is iRunFar's best trail shoe for beginners, an everyday road-to-trail shoe, and the Hoka Speedgoat 7 is its best cushioned pick for going the distance.
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